A unique way to focus on body image: The Philly Naked Bike Ride

This guest post provided by Heidi_PsyD from http://www.examiner.com/eating-disorder-in-philadelphia/heidi-dalzell

Coming together in all shapes and sizes

Body confidence: The belief that you are most beautiful when you are healthy in body and mind. What does it take to achieve body confidence? Giving up the constant need to mold and shape oneself. You feel good and project body confidence. And your body confidence shows, sometimes shows more than you thought you would (pun intended, read on).

Would you like to strut your stuff to promote positive body image? Would you like to promote fuel conscious consumption? Then come out on Sunday, September 4, for the 2011 Philly Naked Bike Ride. Feeling nervous? That’s ok. It’s only bare as you dare. Bring clothes and carry them with you. Feel free to put them on or take them off as you like (hint: duct tape them to your frame for easy access). The Philly Naked Bike Ride is a super fun event and they want to make you feel confident about participating.

Eva G., a rider from Northeast Philly says: “I participated last year. I wanted to be able to make a statement. I am in recovery from bulimia, and found that cycling was one key in recovery. I didn’t bare it all last year, but this year, who knows?”

In order to get involved, sign up to receive the meeting place and time. The route will be communicated to riders who show up at the specified place and time. Body painting supplies will be available so you can paint yourself and your friends! The ride departs in the afternoon and goes rain or shine. There is also an after party.

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you –running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself — things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.

3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you — as a whole person.

5. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.